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80
American Music Club Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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Saturdays=Youth
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The fifth album for the French electronic group led by Anthony Gonzalez was produced with Ken Thomas and Ewan Pearson.
| LABEL: | Mute |
| RELEASE DATE: | 15 April 2008 |
| DISCS: | 1 disc |
| GENRE(S): | Rock, Indie, Electronic |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this album is 8.5 (out of 10) based on 18 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Eric C. gave it a9:
I know a ton of people who look back on the 80s in shame and declare that there was no art or beauty to be found there. They hear the over-the-top emotion and massive sounds and shake their heads. And when they hear this album, they might gag at the sound of heavy synths and the bleak and youthful lyrics. When I listened to Saturdays=Youth, I heard some moments of heart-racing beauty that I haven't heard since the Arcade Fire's Funeral (I should probably stop comparing everything to the Arcade Fire). Maybe Gonzalez set out to make an album built on 80s nostalgia. But what he ended up making was a heart wrenching album of youth that should be relevant to not only those who grew up in the 80s, but those who grew up in the 90s and who are growing up now. I'm 18 and grew up in the new century, and this is one of the most emotionally relevant albums I've heard in a while. Shrug it off as cheesy nonsense that deserves to lie in the mass grave of 80s culture. Personally, I think everyone should atleast hear it once, so we can celebrate who we were, who we became, and who we are still becoming. And I don't care if that sounds cheesy.
Aristotle X gave it a9:
I am in total agreement with Damian. After Before the Dawn Heals Us, what new avenue could M83 possibly explore? It would be nearly impossible to produce an album with more emotional intensity than BTDHU. This new album certainly will divide, not only critics, but many fans as well. It contains some tracks that are instantly appealing and others that are gradually absorbed until you find yourself humming them throughout your workday (i.e. the last 2 minutes of "We Own the Sky"). Although Gonzalez uses many of the best elements of 80s music, the influences never feel forced or awkward. One reviewer aptly referred to the new M83, as the best 80s album never made. Fans who need M83 to sound like a Nascar PS3 soundtrack will probably be disappointed. But those who can appreciate the finesse required to cut a fantastic pop record will find much to appreciate.
Sammy F. gave it a3:
A major step backwards for the group. A turn to pure pop cheese.
Joe T. gave it a9:
Wow. After the increasingly epic quality through the last two proper albums, he/they moves M83 forward and in another direction. I'm surprised by the music press' cumulative score. Their criticism (that it's derivative, 'embarrassingly earnest, etc.) could be said of the previous albums too. I guess M83's not their flavor-of-the-month anymore, and the backlash is underway. Figures. If you like the previous stuff or just curious, have a listen.
Nicholas T gave it a9:
I have to admit that my love for this album may stem from the nostalgia and memories I have with 80's new-wave/pop but "Saturdays=Youth" really is a very beautiful collection of songs. What Gonzalez has done with his most recent work is take the moody, crunchy aura of his two previous works and combine it with an amazing pop sensibility. I'm really surprised at the current, low rating and urge any M83 fans or new-wave/pop fans to definitely check this out. Nearly every song is amazing; "Kim & Jessie" is already one of my favorite tracks of 2008.
Alex L gave it a9:
M83 simply puts all the good back into the 80z sound and I am grateful.
Damian M. gave it a9:
This move was always going to divide critics. Anthony's last two releases sounded like epic soundtracks, you would be forgiven for thinking that each album was one long incredible track. This album is a collection of songs, inspired by Anthony's love of all things 80's. This move was always going to divide critics but who cares? The songs are stunning.
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